As I was reading in Genesis 17 this evening, one line in verse 26 stood out to me:

That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael

Let me back up and give a little context.  In the end of ch 15, the Father made the covenant with Abram (who in ch 17 becomes Abraham). The beginning of ch 16, Sarai (later to become Sarah) is talking her hubby Abram into trying to MAKE a prophetic word happen, which could be a blog in itself, but if you’re a wife – you should be aware of the implications of this story.  Then at the end of ch 16, Hagar is struggling against Sarai’s leadership. Now fast forward 13 years and in ch 17 the Father reiterates His covenant, this time clearly specifying that it will occur through Sarah’s womb (she just got her new name). » more »

I was reading today in Leviticus 4 about sin offerings, and when I hit verse 22 where it talks about a leader sinning something struck me: the leader would have to go to the temple to offer the sacrifice, thus proclaiming his guilt. It reminded me of James 5:16 as well: » more »

People often ask me how I hear God’s voice and how I know it’s Him.  What I tell them is that if we listen we all can hear His voice, we just need to learn how. I found that for me, this happened by simply starting by identifying the voice I believed was Him. After all He said His sheep know His voice (John 10:27). » more »

God’s had me reading John 15:1-17 pretty much everyday for a couple months now. It’s interesting to see how He’ll highlight different words and passages each day. Today He highlighted verse 14:

You are my friends if you do what I command you. » more »

I’ve spent a lot of time pondering standing fast in the face of opposition. It actually is the reason for my most recent Dyed4you Art piece called Stand Fast. And today as I was reading the word, God highlighted it to me again. Here’s Matthew 14:28-33: » more »

There’s a verse in James 2 often quoted where we’re chastened not to be a respecter of persons. The example that corresponds describes two men – one who appears rich and the other poor. I’ve often heard this verse cited as support that what God does for one person, He’ll do for another. I think this appeals to our western ideas of fairness so we embrace this concept. And yet, I’ve wondered… » more »

As humans we like to have choices. It allows us to feel “in control” – God knows our tendency and so He often gives us choices that I’ll liken to someone offering us a choice between a scoop of poop or chocolate ice cream! » more »

God had me revisit John 15, which is the chapter about Him being the true vine (if you’re not familiar with it, consider giving it a read – it’s a great chapter). The thing that stood out to me was in verse 2, “…every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” » more »

Here’s the scene, Jonah (a prophet) was called by God to go to Nineveh and prophesy that in 40 days Nineveh would be overthrown. Jonah doesn’t want to go because he thinks God will relent and not do it to them. So instead of obeying, Jonah flees, but God gets his attention (the big fish) and finally Jonah obeys and goes to Nineveh.

He prophesies. The people repent. God relents. Jonah is mad! So mad he tells God just to kill him — basically throwing a temper-tantrum. Then God asks Jonah a question: » more »

I had an interaction with someone recently that had me thinking about the enemy’s tactics.  You see this person asked me if I could do something (just for the record, nothing sinful!). It’s something I normally don’t do because God’s instructed me not to, but I still took it to the Lord in prayer as I typically do. He surprised me by saying yes. » more »